South Korea's manufacturers expect a modest improvement in their business conditions in the coming months, but they remain downbeat about the overall economy, a poll showed Sunday.

According to the survey of 650 local manufacturers conducted by the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, the manufacturing sector business survey index stood at 99 for the fourth quarter of 2016, up three points from 93 for the previous quarter.

The BSI for their sales also rose two points to 99. A BSI reading below 100 means pessimists outnumber optimists.

By sector, the index for the chemical, automobile, electric, machinery and semiconductor industries edged up, while the ICT industry recorded a decline.

The shipbuilding, transport, equipment and steel industries will likely continue to suffer a slump, according to the poll. (Yonhap)